Charging Multiple Devices

Electronics makers are starting to address a growing problem: how to deal with the unsightly tangle of power cords stemming from recharging cellphones, iPods and other devices every night.

The average household today has 25 electronics products, up from about 13 in 1995, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. In response, companies are introducing stations that function as central locations for items getting juiced up -- charging three to five devices at once. Some options: